Friday Sips

Soter Pinot Noirs

2010 SOTER PINOT NOIR "NORTH VALLEY"
$27.99 BTL./$335.88 CASE

Write this down and put us on the record – Tony Soter is one of the most influential producers not only in Oregon but for all American wines. Tony gained recognition as founder of Etude Wines and consultant to such luminaries as Araujo, Shafer, Spotteswoode & Dalla Valle. By 1997, this Napa Valley veteran, having been widely praised for what he accomplished with his Pinot Noirs that he produced at Etude, returned to his birthplace in Oregon to make wines under the Soter label. Crafted and inspired from his Etude days, Tony and winemaker James Cahill created a Pinot Noir that is built along the lines of what Etude's Carneros version is, a blend of top vineyards from the Willamette Valley.

2010 turning out to be quite a magnificent vintage in Oregon, the only problem is that there are scant amounts of wine to go around. The latest version of the North Valley is exuberant and captivating on the nose with aromas of cherries and baking spices. There's no shortage of red fruit on the well-formed palate that's seemingly is sprinkled with earth and subtle vanilla tones. Elegant and supple, this one will drink well now and over the next 7-10 years.

2010 SOTER PINOT NOIR "MINERAL SPRINGS RANCH"
$45.99 BTL./$275.94 – SIX PACK CASE

From Soter's estate vineyard, the 2010 Mineral Springs Ranch cuvee is the epitome of grace, density and detail all wrapped up in one scintillating package!! When I tasted this a few weeks back, the wine consumer in me came out and I just had to have some for my own personal cellar. Even at a youthful stage, the level of aromatic perfume derived from what an excellent vineyard site gives is immediately impressive. Penetrating aromas of red earth, virtual grilled strawberry, X-Mas spices, lavender and expressive licorice aromas follow through to a satin-like texture that is creamy, lacy and full of movement and depth all without ever straying beyond its sophisticated boundaries to become a caricature kind of Pinot Noir. Luxurious and striking, this wine is still in its infancy and no doubt it will age nicely for 12-15 years. Not undrinkable by any stretch at this moment and we are thrilled to be able to have it open today (9-28-12)…Lastly, if you like scores, this has 93 Points from both The Wine Advocate and International Wine Cellar.

2010 PLANET OREGON PINOT NOIR
$17.99 BTL./$215.88 CASE

The entry-level gem from Soter Vineyards, the 2010 Planet Oregon is exactly what an under 20 dollar Pinot should be. Lively, fun, unpretentious and imminently drinkable. Laced with lively raspberry, cranberry and harmonious earth scents, it's a very relaxed and smoothly textured wine that offers plenty of harmony. Sneaky persistence and one that keeps calling you back for another glass. Plenty of Oregon goodness here for not a ton of money. Drink it now and over the next 2-3 years.